Roth Scholars Announced

After weeks of speculation, this year’s Roth Scholars were announced last month. From YC, Aton Holzer, Chanan Hoschander, Josh Landa, Ben Ahdut and Yehuda Burns were all named, with Chaim Herman and Yoseph Rudolph listed as first and second alternates, respectively. Stern nominees include Jennifer Feig, Malka Skiba and Shiva Shifteh, with Agnessa Miller as a third alternate.

The Roth Institute Scholars Program is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in biomedical research. Students work for ten weeks in a basic science laboratory at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine under the guidance of mentors in their fields of interest.

The program affords an opportunity to explore the world of biology in a serious, academic atmosphere, a "real world" experience. From it, students hope to learn research techniques, as well as skill in collecting and interpreting data. The program gives YU students a chance to interact not only with their friends and schoolmates, but also with students from around the New York area.

While every student works in his own lab, coordination comes from the graduate research division at Einstein. In addition to working in the lab, students present their research at a seminar attended by fellow Roth Scholars as well as other summer researchers at AECOM. Those participating are paid $2000 and are given free apartments in the Einstein housing complex.

The selection process is based principally on merit, weighing factors such as GPA, performance in science courses and letters of recommendation. An interview is also an important component of the decision-making process. One critical factor this year’s selection was research experience. All of the selectees had some experience working in a lab over a summer.

Many of this year’s applicants were discouraged to find out that their lack of research experience nearly precluded them from being chosen. One applicant commented, "They tell us to do research, we now have an opportunity, and they slam the door in our faces."

Dr. Kenneth Danishefsky, a biology professor on the selection committee, explained why experience is so important. As representatives of the school, the committee wants to ensure that these participating are more than simply qualified. Those with previous research experience have demonstrated a desire to work in the lab. This initiative is key. From the perspective of faculty at Einstein, those who’ve done work before are quicker to learn and can work more independently. These factors are very important in the decision-making process.

Even so, those participating are eagerly awaiting the experience. "I think it’s a tremendous opportunity to do cutting edge research in a serious environment," said Holzer. Others were similarly eager to work because of what they would learn and the experience they would acquire. Burns, however, takes a different approach. "Previous work showed me that working in a lab can be fun. With all the competition involved in schoolwork, here’s a chance to both learn and enjoy one’s self."